Abstract

Concerns for the environmental and economic impact of organic solvents in gold nanoparticle synthesis have motivated the search for more environmentally benign alternatives. One viable approach is the synthesis of AuNPs from tetrachloroauric(III) acid (HAuCl4) using triblock copolymers (TBPs). However, a major challenge of using TBPs is the heterogeneous nature of the formed nanocrystals. Establishing control over AuNP size and shape requires a detailed mechanistic understanding of precursor reduction and nanoparticle growth. By using mixtures of TBPs (L31 and F68), a more flexible method to tune AuNP size and shape is demonstrated. This is achieved by adjusting the TBP/Au(III) ratio and the concentrations of seed citrate-stabilized AuNPs. Kinetic models are used to explain why L31 inhibits the rate of AuNP formation and growth. Experimental evidence of sigmoidal growth kinetics, early time bimodal gold nanoparticle size distributions, and polycrystallinity suggest that aggregative AuNP growth is an important mechanism.

LLU Discipline

Biochemistry

Department

Basic Sciences

School

School of Medicine

First Advisor

Perry, Christopher C.

Second Advisor

Boskovic, Danilo

Third Advisor

Brantley, Eileen

Fourth Advisor

Duerksen-Hughes, Penelope

Fifth Advisor

Kurti, R. Steven

Sixth Advisor

Milligan, Jamie

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

January 2012

Date (Title Page)

6-1-2012

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Nanostructures; Chemical kinetics; Biochemistry; Solvents - Adverse Effects

Subject - Local

Kinetics; Nanoparticles; Triblock Copolymer; Organic solvents - Environmental Impact

Type

Dissertation

Page Count

151 p.

Digital Format

Application/PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses & Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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